Compliances in Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020)
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code) consolidates 13 pre-existing labour laws in India into a single framework to regulate workplace safety, health, and working conditions. Introduced in Lok Sabha on September 19, 2020, and receiving Presidential Assent on September 28, 2020, it applies to establishments with 10 or more workers, covering factories, mines, plantations, and other sectors. Enforced since November 21, 2025, it aims to simplify compliance while enhancing worker protections.
Key Provisions on Safety and Health
Employers must ensure safe working environments by providing protective equipment, first aid, and medical facilities, with special emphasis on hazardous processes. Safety committees are mandatory in factories with 500+ workers or hazardous operations, and safety officers are required for larger setups. The code mandates risk assessments, accident prevention measures, and worker training on safety protocols.
Working Hours and Leave Entitlements
Daily working hours are capped at 8, extendable to 12 with overtime pay at twice the regular rate; weekly hours must not exceed 48. Workers get one weekly holiday, 12 annual paid leaves after 240 days of service, and maternity benefits for women. Night shifts (7 PM-6 AM) require consent and transport for women, with restrictions on overlapping shifts.
Compliances for Employers
Employers must register establishments online, maintain registers for wages, hours, and accidents, and display notices on work periods and safety rules. Annual health check-ups are required for hazardous workers, and crèches for establishments with 50+ women workers. Interstate migrant workers and gig/platform workers gain expanded coverage, including portability of benefits.
Penalties and Enforcement
Violations attract penalties: fines from ₹2-5 lakhs for safety lapses, up to 2 years imprisonment for negligence causing death or serious injury, with higher fines for repeats. Offences like obstructing inspectors carry up to 6 months jail or fines; compounding allows settlement at 50-75% of max penalty for minor issues. Inspectors can impose penalties on-site, with appeals to authorities.
Challenges and Implementation
Despite progressive reforms, full rollout faces delays in state rules and needs digital platforms for registration. Training inspectors and updating standards for new tech remain key hurdles. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, unifies 13 labour laws to enforce safer workplaces, regulated hours (up to 8 daily/48 weekly with overtime pay), mandatory safety gear/training, and welfare like crèches and leaves, backed by fines up to ₹5 lakhs or 2-year jail for violations; while simplifying compliance for employers in factories/mines/plantations with 10+ workers, it awaits full state-level rules amid calls for digital enforcement.
Contact us
Complinity, India’s Leading Compliance Management Software, helps companies manage their statutory and regulatory compliances on a secure software platform.
We are currently serving companies like Yes Bank, Panasonic, Amara Raja, Toyota, Max healthcare, UB Group, Oberoi Group and Brookfield Renewable apart from 1500+ Companies across 100+ industry verticals.
If you wish to know more how Complinity can help your organization minimize non-compliance risks, click the link below.
Thank You for your interest in Complinity. Your CV has been forwarded to HR.